By Vida Msiyo

Blantyre, Nov 13, Mana: Malawi Network of Older Person’s Organizations (MANEPO) in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) on Tuesday completed a distribution of 50 kgs maize bags to residents affected by El Niño at Yesya Village in M’deka under T/A Chigalu.

The relief programme which began in September targeted 17,000 families, first providing each family with MK70,000 and then maize and on Tuesday, MANEPO wrapped up the project, reaching out to the remaining 106 families.

MANEPO’s Acting Humanitarian Manager, Maria Masiye said the food assistance aims at mitigating hunger among the affected households.

“We started in September and today we’re concluding the distribution, this food is crucial for families affected by El Niño, which disrupted their crop production, leaving them without sufficient food,” she said.

Masiye, however, advised beneficiaries particularly the elderly to remain vigilant about safety due to potential threats from others within the community.

Yesaya Village Civil Protection Committee Secretary, Wyson Namukoloma commended MANEPO and partners for the timely intervention, noting that the area faced severe food shortages.

“People here have been relying on mangoes as their primary source of food. So, together with MANEPO’s support we ensured that the distribution process was transparent and fair,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Susana John expressed gratitude, confessing that she initially had doubts about the aid.

“When they registered us, I thought it was just another list with no action but now, I have maize to sustain my family and I’m truly thankful,” John said.

The programme which will continue until February 2025 has also provided similar relief to families in traditional authorities Kuntaja and Lundu.